Straight bar knitting machine



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March 3, 1953 Flled May 6, 1948 March 3, 1953 F. LAMBACH 2,629,993

STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE JNVENTOR. FRITZ LAMB/ACH March 3, 1953 F. I AMBACH STRAIGHT BAR KNlTTING MACHINE 1l Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 6, 1948 INVENTOR.

. FRITZ IAMBACH F. LAMBACH STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE March 3, 1953 Flled May 6, 1948 March 3, 1953 F. LAMBACH STRAIGHT BAR xNlTTING MACHINE INVENTOR.

-FRITZ LAMBACH ll Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 6, 1948 March 3, 1953 F. LAMBACH 2,629,993

STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed May 6. 1948 1l Sheets-Sheet 6 El JNVENTOR. 2 220C FRITZ LAMBACH o ZZQ,

2 2 2204 220f zzaj March 3, 1953 Flled May e. 1948 March 3, 1953 F. LAMBACH STRAIGHT BAR xNlTTING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 6. 1948 www QQ wm, h

INVENTOR..

FRITZ LAMBACH March 3, 1953 F. LAMBACH 21,629,993

STRAIGHT BAR KNITTING MACHINE l Filed May 6, 1948 1l Sheets-Sheet 9 FIG. 20.

FRITZ I AMBACH farai/1 March 3, 1953 Filed May 6, 1948 F. LAMBACH STRAIGHT BAR KNlTTING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet lO IN VEN TOR.

FRITZ I AM BACI-H March, 1953 F. LAMBACH 2,529,993

STRAIGHT BAR KNlTTING MACHINE Filed May 6. 1948 1l Sheets-Sheet l] FIG. 24. o

INVEN TOR.

FRITZ L AMBACH I BY Patented Mar. 3, 1953 STRAIGHTBAR KNITTING MACHINE Fritz Lambach, T'enaily, N. J., assigner to` Robert Reiner, Inc., Weehawken, N. J.

ApplicationMay 6, 1948, Serial No. 25,396

304 Claims.

'This invention relates to textile machines, `and more particularly to straight bar `'knitting machines.

An object of the present invention is to improve on the construction and arrangement of `the automatic regulating means for regulating the lengthof the loops knitted by the'knitting implements of a straight bar knitting machine.

AA `further object of the present invention is to provide a straightbar knitting machine `with automatic regulating means for regulating the length of the 'loops wherein the'controlling means used for setting apredetermined length of the loops `do'not swing together with the oscillating regulating shaft connected to the needle bar, `so that said controlling meansl may `be readily actuated by a controlling apparatus of the knitting machine.

Another object of the present inventon is to 'provide a straight bar knitting machine with regulating devices of simple construction -which require onlyv a single pattern chain control for the knitting of so-'called loose coursesmwhich mayhavediierent lengths of the loops. n

A further object of the present invention` is to simplify the construction and control'of thesocalled rocker device of a straightbar knitting machine adjusting the length of loops in the heel forming part of this specification, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatical front ele- "vational view of a straight barknitting machine according `to the invention, wherein' onlythose jparts'are' shown which are necessary fori-the understandingof the invention,

Fig. 2isa verticalsectional viewtakenon line Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken online 3-3 of Fig.` 1,

IFig. 4 is ya fragmentary sectional view similar to that shown in Fig. 3, wherein, howeventhe needleV bar is-adjusted in a different` position,

Fig. 5 is a sectional viewl taken on line 5-5 of Fig: 1,

Fig.r 6 isa frontvelevational view of 'the main regulating device shown in Fig; 5,

Fig. `7 is a sectional View taken'on line 1,-1 of Flat,

machine.

`machine.

`Fig.` 8 is a sectional View similar to that yshown in Fig?, wherein; however,` the parts of the regulating device are in a differentposition,

Fig. `9 is a somewhat diagrammatical fragmentary sectional view of the-knitting machine illustrating a controlling apparatus for the ycontrol of adjustable setting elements of-various regulating devices of the knitting machine,

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken #on line Ill-l 0 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 11 is a -horizontalsectional View taken Aon line |I-i| of Fig. 10,

Fig. 12 is afront elevational-view of the-loose course regulating `device shown in Fig.- 10,

Figs. 13-15 are fragmentary Sectional views similar to thatshown in Fig. 10,where`in,rhow ever, the parts of the loose courseregulating device are in diierent positions,

Fig. 16 is a front elevational view of the rocker `regulating device ofthe straight barlknitting lmachine,

Fig. 17 is a topv plan view illustratingthe `shifting device forshifting'- the main cam shaft of-the machine during narrowing operations,

Fig. 18 is a fragmentarysectional viewillstrating theV connection between the rocker `wing and one half lofthe shiftingca'm of the machine,

Fig. 19 is a perspectiveview'` of the rocker wing,

Fig. 20 is a vertical sectionalview takenon line 21)-20 of Fig. 16,

Fig. 21 is a vertical sectional viewltaken on line 2I-2I of Fig. 16 wherein, however, the parts of the rocker device are in a position `diiferentfrom 4that shown Vin Fig. 20,

Figs. 22 and 23 are fragilientary sectional views similarto that shown in Fig. 20v.1herein,-how ever, the parts of Athero'cker device arelin' different positions,

Fig. 24V is an elevational `View illustrating the rocker wingVtheshiftingIcain, the brakeanda portion of the controlling mechanism of the rocker regulating device,

Fig. 25 is a horizontalsectional view ltakim on line 25-25 of Fig. 24,

Fig. 26 is a perspectiveview of an `element of the rocker regulating device,` and Fig. 27 is a `diagrarnmatical view of astocking blank.

Referring now to Fig. l, 30 generally indicates the frame of a two-section'straight-bar knitting A motor'32 mounted on a bracketf34 carried by the frame 30 ofA the knitting .machine is connected through a train `of'gears SS'with themain cam shaft'38 rotatably `and shiftably arranged `in suitable bearings of the frame of `the 4U generally indicates a pattern-chain carrying a series of buttons 42 (see Fig. 12) for 'the control of certain mechanisms of the knitting machine. During the operation of the machine, the pattern chain 40 is intermittently advanced in a manner known per se by a suitable mechanism actuated by a cam (not shown) keyed to the main cam shaft 33. Y

Fig. l illustrates only a few of the cams keyed to the main cam shaft 38. As viewed from the right to the left, the cams shown in Fig. 1 are: a rst loose course regulating cam 44, a main regulating device cam 46, a presser arm cam 43, a needle bar cam 50, a second loose course regulating cam 52, rocker wings 54 and 56, shifting cam means 58, 66.

As best shown in Figs. 1-4, in each section of the knitting machine the needle bar 62 carrying a series of needles 64 is mounted on two needle bar hinges 66 and a needle bar presser arm 68.

Each of the needle bar hinges 66 is pvoted at 1|! to a needle bar arm 'i2 secured to a needle bar shaft 14 rotatably arranged in suitable bearings of the frame. A spring-loaded needle bar cam follower '|6 rigidly connected with the needle bar shaft '|4 carries a roller 'I8 being in engagement with the needle bar cam 50 keyed to the main cam shaft 36.

Each of the needle bar presser arms 68 is pivoted at 8U to one end of a needle bar presser handle 82 having a recess 64 (see Figs. 3 and 4) normally engaged with a stud 86 arranged on one end of a Vpresser arm 88, the other end of which is rigidly secured to a presser shaft 66 rotatably arranged in suitable bearings of the frame of the machine. A spring-loaded presser arm cam follower 92 rigidly connected with the presser shaft 60 carries a roller 64 arranged for engagement with thepresser arm cam 48 keyed to the main cam shaft 38.

Apparently, if the presser shaft 96 were at a standstill, the needle bar cam 50 cooperating with the needle bar cam follower 16 would cause an upward and downward movement of the needles 64. Furthermore, if the needle bar shaft 74 were at a standstill, the presser arm cam 48 cooperating with the presser arm cam follower 62 would cause a movement of the needles 64 towards and away from the press edge 66 of the knitting machine. In fact, of course, during the operation 'ofthe knitting machine, the needle bar shaft 14 and the presser shaft 96 may be in movement at the same time, whereby the needles 64 are subject to a composite movement.

When the machine is at a standstill and it is vdesired to obtain ready access to the needles 64 for the performance of a necessary manipulation, the needle bar 62 may be swung into the position shown in Fig. 4 by disengaging the recess 84 of the needle bar presser handle 82 from the stud 86 and pushing the handle into the position shown in Fig. 4 wherein the stud 36 abuts against the shoulder 68 of the handle 62. After the manipulation on the needles 64 has been carried out, the recess 64 of the needle bar presser handle 482 may be re-engaged with the stud 66 as shown in Fig. 3, so that the machine is ready for further operation.

' During the operation of the machine, the sinkers reciprocated in a manner known per se by the slur cocks (not shown) are always advanced to the same extent, for example, into the extreme advanced position shown in Fig. 3.

Therefore, the more the needles 64 aremoved towards the press edge 96, at a certain moment 4 during the performance of their composite movement, the longer the length of the loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine. In other words, the length of the loops to be knitted can be regulated by the degree of movement of the needles 64 towards the press edge 96.

The length of the loops of a stocking shall be different at different parts of the stocking. For example, the first loop course to be engaged with the welt hooks of the knitting machine shall have loops of a greater length than other courses of the welt. Furthermore, for example, the leg portion of the stocking shall be made of loops having a length smaller than other loops of the stocking, etc.

In order to regulate in a predetermined manner the length of the loops at various parts of the stocking, the knitting machine is equipped with regulating devices to be described hereinafter.

According to Figs. 1 and 3 a regulating shaft |62 rotatably Yarranged in suitable bearings of the frame of the machine carries an arm |64 rigidly secured thereto. Said arm |04 is in loose engagement with an adjustable set screw |06 arranged on the presser arm cam follower 62. rIhe regulating shaft |62 may be oscillated during the operation of the machine in a manner to be described hereinafter. Obviously, the larger the degree of oscillation, the more the arm |04 is swung to the right, as viewed in Fig. 3, and the more the needles 64 are moved towards the press edge 66 at a predetermined interval.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a spring-loaded stop arm |66 is rigidly secured to the oscillatable regulating shaft |62, Said stop arm |68 carries an adjustable stop screw Il arranged for engagement with a rod ||2 arranged in the frame of the machine. Upon an engagement of the stop screw ||0 with the rod |12, the movement of the regulating shaft |62 in counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2 is limited.

As best shown in Fig. 1, four regulating devices are associated with the regulating shaft |62, i. e., as shown from right to the left, a first loose course regulating device generally indicated by 4, a main regulating device generally indicated by H6, a second loose course regulating device generally indicated by ||8 and a rocker regulating device generally indicated by |26.

The main regulating device ||6 shown in Figs. 1 and 5-8 comprises a block Y|22 rigidly connected with the regulating shaft |62 by means of a pin |24 inserted into registering bores of the block |22 and the regulating shaft |62. A cam follower |26 carrying a roller |28 cooperating with the main regulating device cam 46 keyed to the main cam shaft 38 is rigidly connected by means of a set screw (not shown) with a shaft |36 rotatably arranged in a bore of the block |22. A spring |26 stretched between the cam follower |26 and the rod I2 tends to urge the roller |28 against the cam 46 and to move a lug |3| on the cam follower |26 towards a stop pin |33 carried by the block |22 which is in the path of said lug |3I. The cam follower |26 has an extension |32 provided with three threaded bores An actuating screw |36a, |365, |360 is adjustably threaded into each of said threaded bores |34a, |3419, |340.

A series of three plates |3811, |3819, |380 each carrying a pointer |40 for cooperation with a scale |42a, |421), |42c is attached to the extension |32 by means of screws |44. Thus, each of said actuating screws |3611, |36b, |360 may be accurately adjusted on the extension |32, so that shaft Y|62 and provided with a nose |62- a Vportion of a predeterminedlength of such ,a

screw projects 4downward from the extension |32.

Furthermore, as best shown in Figs. `5 and 6 amember |46 provided with a series of bores |3401, 134e, |341c is rigidly connected with the rotatable shaft |36 by means of a 4screw |48, so that said member |46 participates in the rocking movements ofthe camfollower |26. An actuatingr screw |36c1, `|36e, `136i is adjustably threaded into each ofthe threaded Vbores |3411, |349, |3'4f. Furthermore, a series of plates `|3611, |38c, |3811 each of Vwhich carrying a lpointer v|56 :is 'attached to the member `|46 Aby means of screws |52. Each pointer |56 is arranged for cooperation with a scale 42d, 162e, |'42f arranged on the actuating screws |3661, |36e, 136i, so that the latter may be accurately adjusted in such ya mannerthat a portion of `a predetermined length projects downwardly from the member |46. As best shown in Fig. 6, the actuating screws136a, |361) 136i are adjusted in such a manner that the portions of said screw projecting down-- wardly Vfrom the extension |32 of the cam'ffollower |26` and from vthe 'member |46 Aare `of different lengths for a purpose to be described hereinaften Each of said actuating screws |36a, |361) |361 is arranged on the cam follower |26 and the member |46 rigidly connected therewith for cooperation with a spring-loaded ulatch |5419 |54f respectively. Said series of latches |5461, |5419 i54f'is swingably and adjustably arranged on a `shaft |56 carried by the 'block |22. A spring-loaded setting element |58a,

|5612 |56f rockably arranged on the regulati ing shaft |62 is associated with veach of said adjustable latches |6411, |541) |5412 Each setting element |5801, |5819 |56f comprises a ring |66 rotatably arranged on the regulating Each nose `|62 `is arranged for cooperation withY an associated spring-loaded adjustable latch |5411, |541) |54f so as to set same in alternative positions in and out of the path of 4an associated 4actuating screw |3611, |3617 |3612 Furthermore, each nose |62 of the various setting elements |5811, |581) `IEBJ is arranged Afor cooperation with an `abutting pin |64 carried by the block |22 so as to limit an extreme active position of the setting elements. Said abutting pin |64 serves also as-a stop for the adjustable latches |5411, |5411 |54f so as to limit their inactive position wherein they are out of the path of the associated actuating screw |3611, |361) |361. Furthermore, the ring |66 of each adjustable spring-loaded setting element |58a, |5812 |56f is provided with a downwardly extending arm |66a, |6611 |66f respectively. Each of said downwardly extending Varms |66a, |6619 |66f is pivotally connected with one end of a wire or rod |6811., |6611` |68f device: a control `shaft cam |82 keyed to the mancam shaft 38 cooperates with a roller |84 carried A"by ia spring-loaded 'foam follower -vl`|86 swingably mounted on a shaft |88. V'Said-caim'ffo'L- lower |66 has ranarm|96 which--islrocked down Wardly and upwardly in `accordance with the" cam surface of Vthe "rotating control `shaft vcam |82. If the upwardly 'extending portion f|92 of :acontrollng `element |94 swingabl-y mounted iabout a vertical pivot |96in ablock |98`isiinr-the path ofthe armj|96 theblock |98'will`be rockedabout the shaft V|88 lin accordance witha rocking movement Aof `the Varm v|66 of `the cam follower |86. A stop screw 266 arranged yon tl'ie vblock `|66 is normally lurged 4against afrod `262 by means of va Ispring 264 acti-ng -on "thefblock 198. The block |98 `Vis pivotally connected at '20.61 lwith one end of a "connectingrod 268, the otherend of kwhich lis lpivoted *at 2`|6 fte anlarm 121-2 of a ratchet Vwheel device generally yindicat'eci iby 12i| 4. Thus, each Irocking movement Vofthe `blocll: |1798 causes an advancing'of*the-control shaft @|86 through one step.

VThe position of `above-mentioned A.controlling lnemberI-94 swingably` mounted in :the `:block |98 is controlled by alwire and rod connection AV2.116 arranged in a manner yknown per .se betweentlie arm `2HE and the controlling member |94 and a spring-loaded jack `226f, `which is swingably mounted on a shaftl222 and `actuated by aibutton on the pattern chain. When the -springloaded jack 226f is actuated' "byV al'button fof-the pattern chain, the upwardly lextending"portion |92 of the controlling element |94 is swung into the pathcf the arm |96.V so 4that the [block |98 is rocked and the control shaft V|86 is advanced by the ratchet `wheel mechanism 2114. PA-s `soon as the button Aof the pattern chain is .pastthe jack 226i, the upwardly extending Aportion |92 `of the controlling element |94 `is swung out of the pathfof vthe arm |96 so that the'armlgll rocks idly and does not `cause an-advancing `of the control shaft |66 throughthe -ratchet wheel mechanism2i4. As soon as another button on the pattern chain actuates again the `jack"226f, the `upwardly extending `portion |92 -nis Yagain swung into the path of the arm |96 `for .a further advancing of the controlsshaft |80 through `the medium of the ratchet wheel mechanism 2|4. A more detailed description of the mechanisms for intermittently advancing the control shaft |66 and the set of controlling cams mounted thereon may be found in my -co-pending` patent application `Serial#743638 filed for A Straight Bar Knitting Machine onApril 25,1941, now Patent No. 2,514,487.

As may be readily understood from above in connection with Fig. `9,-the setting element 158i is in the active position shown in fulll'ines in said Fig. '9 wherein it sets the associatedlatch |54]C in lits -activeposition in the path of the associated actuating screw |369, as long `as the `arm |16 of the cam follower |12 is in engagement with a low part ofthe controlling-cam |18. soon as, howevenowingto an advancing of'l the control shaft |36 and the controlling cam |18 mounted thereon through the medium of abovedescribed mechanisms, the arm |16 of the cam follower |12 is engaged by a high portion of the controlling cam |18` the setting member |58f is swung into its inactive position shown in dash land dot lines in Fig. 9 through the 'medium `of the wire |68f, whereby said setting element |56f causes the latch |54f'to assume its inactive position likewise shown inv dash and dotlines in "QFg, 9 wherein said flatchisout of the-path of the associated actuating screw |3`6f.

t is understood that each of the remaining setting elements |5801., |585 |52e is controlled by a controlling cam keyed to the control shaft |80 in the same manner as described above in connection with the setting element |53f con# trolled by the controlling cam |23. Consequently, each setting element |5211, |58?) liif may be individually and selectively adjusted in an active or inactive position for setting the associated latch IEM, |521) ||f in an active or inactive position as may be required for the knitting of the stocking.

According to Fig. 5, for example, the latch '|546 is set by the setting element Elite in the inactive position wherein it is out of the path of the associated actuating screw |326. The same is true of the position of the latch illa in Fig. 7 When during a rotation of the cam dii the roller |28 of the cam follower |26 is engaged by a high portion of said cam t as shown in Fig. 7, the cam follower |26 is swung from the position shown in Fig. 5 into the position shown in Fig. 7. During such a swinging movement of the cam follower |26 the latches |56 which are in their inactive position as is true, for example, of the latches lte (Fig. 5) and lia (Fig. 7) are not hit by the associated actuating screw |35, for example, the actuating screw ite and |3541. Consequently, said actuating screws ia, |3te do not have any influence on the latches Ita, |5l|f and the block |22 and the regulating shaft |02.

If, however, a setting element |58, for example, the setting element |58a is swung by an actuation of the controlling apparatus shown in Fig. 9 through the medium of the wire Hita from the inactive position shown in Fig. 7 into the active position shown in Fig. 8, the nose |32 of said setting element causes a swinging of the associated latch Italia from the inactive position shown in Fig. 7 into the inactive position shown in Fig; 8. Now, when the cam follower |26 is swung by the cam i5 from the position shown in Fig. 5 into the positionshown in Fig. 8, the actuating screw |3a hits the actuating latch |5Ga in its path and causes a displacement thereof in downward direction. Said displacement oi the latch |540. in turn causes a rocking of the block |22 from the position shown in Figs. 5 and 'I into the position shown in Fig. 8 through an angle a (see Fig. 8). Consequently, the regulating shaft |02 rigidly connected with the block |22 is rocked through the same angle o.. Said rocking of said regulating shaft |22 may cause Aa rocking of the arm it (see Fig. 3) from the full line position into the dash and dot line position whereby the needles 62 are moved towards the press edge 9.2 from the full line position into vthe dash and dot line position. Upon a return movement of the cam follower |25 from the position shown in Fig. 8 into the position shown in Fig. 5 owing to a corresponding shape of the cam 46 and the action of the spring |22, the lug |31 of the cam follower |26 abuts against the pin |33 and causes the block |22 as well as the regulating shaft |22 to follow in counterclockwise |5811, |5812 |5f of the regulating device according to the invention do not participate in the' rocking movements of the regulating shaft |2 and may be readily connected with a suitable controlling mechanism of the knitting machine, for example, with the controlling apparatus shown in Fig. 9.

Furthermore, as mentioned above and as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the actuating screws |36a, |361) |36f may be individually adjusted in such a manner that their end portions projecting downwardly from the extension |32 of the cam follower |26 and from the member |46 rigidly connected with the cam follower |26 are of different lengths. As will be readily understood, the longer said downwardly projecting end of such an actuating screw, the earlier it will hit the associated latch during a rocking movement of the cam follower |22 and, consequently, the larger the rocking angle a of the regulating shaft i432 and the larger the movement of the needles 65 towards the press edge S2 and the longer the length of the loops knitted by the knitting impiements of the machine; on the other hand, of course, the shorter the length of the downwardly projecting ends of such an actuating screw, the later it will hit the associated latch, and consequently, the smaller the rocking angle a of the regulating shaft |22 and the smaller the length of the loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine.

If, during the operation of the machine at any time two or more of the latches Ilia, |541) iflf are set in their active position, the actuating screw with the longest end projecting downwardly from the cam follower will hit its associated latch first and will determine the degree of the rocking angle a of the regulating shaft |2. Although some additional latches are in 'their active position, the associated actuating screws will not hit saine, as said latches are mounted on the block |22 and follow the rocking movement of said block caused by the hitting of a latch by the actuating screw with the longest downwardly projecting end portion. Y

As shown in Fig. l, the knitting machine is provided with a rst loose course regulating device I and a second loose course regulating device H. Said two loose course regulating devices are substantially of identical construction and it will be suiiicient to describe hereinafter only the first loose course regulating device H4 in detail.

As best shown in Figs. 10 and 12 the loose course regulating device H5 comprises a block 224 rigidly connected to the regulating shaft |22 by means of a pin 22d passing through registering holes of the' block and the regulating shaft. A spring-loaded cam follower 228 having a roller 232 cooperating with the loose course regulating cam i4 keyed to the main cam shaft 3S is swingably mounted at 222 on the block 22,4 in the same manner as above-described cam follower |26 of the main regulating device is swingably mounted on the block |22. lIhe cam follower 228 has an extension 231| provided with a threated bore 235:7. (see Fig. 12) and a member 238 having a threaded bore 23513 is rigidly connected withy the cam follower 228 so as to participate in the rocking movements thereof. In the embodiment shown in the drawings the member 222 is rigidly connected by means of a set screw 240 (see Fig. 10)

with the shaft 232 rotatably arranged in the block 224 and rigidly connected with the cam follower 223 by a set screw (not shown). An actuating screw 242a is adjustably threaded into acaaass the threaded bore 236m of the extension 234 of the cam follower 21184 and an actuating screw 2421)@ is adjustably threadedinto the 'threaded boref 23619I of the member 238. The actuating screw 242e cooperates with an adjustable springn loaded latch 244e swingably mounted o n a shaft dlcarried by the block224; the actuating screw 24213 cooperates with an adjustable spring-loaded latch ZfM'oylikewise swingably mounted on the shaft 246. The actuating screws 2Mo and 252D are adjusted in such Va manner that', for a purpose to be described hereinafter, the downwardly projecting end of the` actuating screw 242e is longer than the corresponding end of the actuating screw 2421 projectingdownwardly from the meinber 23S.

The latch 245e may be set in and out of the path ofA its associated actuating screw 242e by means of a spring-loaded setting element Etta swingably. arranged on the regulating ."haft |92. 'Il'he latch 2Mb may be set in and out of the path o f the associated actpating screw tflbby :neans of a springfloaded setting element 24th, likewise, swingably mounted on the regulating shaft |il2. The setting elements. 248e and MBZ) are substantially of the same construction as the setting elements.` L58@r |58f of the main regulating .device described above in connection with Figs.

5;-8. Hewever, as shownin Figs. 10 and 152-15, alip 255 is rigidly secured to the downward extending arm of the setting element 24th by rivets or the like. Saidlip 251i proiects from the downwardly extending arm of the setting element towards the downwardly extending arm of the setting element MB@ in such a manner that said lip 250 may loosely engage said downwardly ertending arm of the setting element 2Min thus acting `as a coupling element for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

The setting element 2436i is controlled by a controlling cam 252 keyed to the control shaft |80 (see Fig. 1) through the medium of a wire 254 (see Figs. lo and 12-15). One end of said wire 254 is pivotallyfconnected with a cam follower (not shown but similar to the cam follower |12 shown in Fig. 9) cooperating with the controlling cam 2'52 on the control shaft |86. As shown in Figs. 10 and 13-15, the other end of said wire 254 has a slot 2&6. slidably engaged with a pin 258 carried by the downwardly extending arm of the setting element 2Min.. A spring Eta stretched between the wire 25e andv a shaft 252 mounted onA the frame of the machine tends to urge the wire 25.4: in right-handy direction as viewed in Fig'. l0. rl'he wire 251i. thus connected with the setting element 243e through the medium of a pin and'slot connection 255, EES acts in coniunction with the controlling cam 252 `mounted on the control shaft |88 as an automatic. pre-selector, as will be.V described hereinafter.

The downwardly extending arm of the setting elementZflSb ispivotally connected with one end of a wire264, Asbest shown in Figs. 10 and ll the other end of said wire 26A. is pivoted at 256 toan arrnEii-BV of a` bell-crank, lever 210 swingably mounted at 272- on the frame of the machine. The other arm 2M of said bell-crank lever 21S is pivotally connected at 2716 to one end of a wire 2718. Asshown in Figs. 10- andl l2, `the other end of said wire 228, is connected to a spring-loaded jack` 22e@ swingably mounted on theshaft 222. As; long astherefis no loose course knitted, the `jack 226g is in the` fullline position shown in Fig. 12 and, consequently, the. setting element s 2481.1 is in, its inactive position shown in pig. 1o

10 whereinlit sets the associated latch 2Mb in the inactiveposition outof the path of theactuating screw 24217 arranged on the swingable cam follower228r.

If a loose course shall be knitted, the jack 220g is swung by a button 42 on the pattern chain 40 into the dash and dot` line position shown in Fig. 12 whereby through the medium ofthe linkage 218 210, 254, the setting element 248|) is brought into the active positionshownin Fig. 13 wherein it sets the latchZMb into the active position in the path of the actuating screw 2421i.

Now, when at the time of such a movement of the setting element 248D into its active position, by a button on the pattern chain, the setting element 2:38a is heldin its inactive position by the wire 254 as shown in Fig. 13 in accordance with the shape of the controlling cam cooperatingwith the wire 2M, only the latch 244i) controlled by the setting element 24S-b will be brought into the active position while the latch 264e controlled by the setting element 243e remains in its inactive position. Therefore, the regulating shaft ||l2 is rocked through a certain angle upon a displacement of the latch 241th by the actuating screw 242i) arranged on the cam followerr228 soas to control a predetermined length of the loops in the `loose course.

After the completion of sucha loose course, the pattern chain e is advanced one step whereby the button previously displacing the jack 229g is disengaged from the jack and thelatter returns into its normal positon shown in full lines in Fig, 12. Said return movement of the jack 220g causes a return/movement of the setting Yelement 24819 from its active position shown in- Fig. 13 into its inactive position shown in Fig. 14 whereby the latch 2Mb is also returned into its inactive position shown in said Fig. 14;

AsA mentioned above, the link of the downwardly projecting end portion of the actuating screw 2621 determines the length of lthe loop in theloose course. Now, if it is desired to knit a loose course with loops of greater length` than the length determined by the adjustment of the actuating screw 21322) the following operation takes place:

` At a suitable interval the wire 254 controlled by the controlling cam 252 ony the control shaft H3llis moved from the position shown in Fig. 13 wherein the right-hand edge of its slot 2,56 is engaged with the pin 258v of the setting element Mdc into the positionA shown in Fig. 14 wherein the left-hand edge of its slot 256 is engaged with the pinx 275,8. In spite of this movement of the wire the spring-loaded setting element 248a is held at this time in its inactive position by means of theA lip 25|) loosely engaged with saidf setting element Zafira but rigidly connected with the setting element 24812 held in its inactive position bythe wire 251i. Yet, an automatic pre-selection of the .settingelernent Ztalhas beencarried out by said movement of the wire 254 from theposition shown in Fig. 13 into the positionshownA in rig. 14, so that the spring-leaded setting element Lia. is. ready for activation as soon asit is released by an actuation` of the setting element 24th, Now, when a loose. coursewith loops nf "a iengthrgreater thanA the length determined Yby the actuating screw 242D shall4 be knittedthe setting clementllh is again brought into its active positien` by the wir@ 2.5i in remorse, i0 a button. ofn the patternV chain. At thijs` time, however, owing to above-mentioned displacement of thewirei into. the positionshimin. Fie ltlih 1 1 loaded setting element 248e may follow the movement of the lip 259 secured to the setting element 2485 until the setting element 248a reaches its active position shown in Fig. 15. Now both latches 244a and 24417 are in their active position.

However, as the downwardly projecting end of the actuating screw 242a is longer than the downwardly projecting end of the actuating screw 242D, the actuating screw 242er will hit the latch 244a rst and thus determine the degree of rocking of the rocking shaft |92. This results in loops of a length larger than the length determined by the actuating screw 242D.

When the loose course has been completed, the setting element 248D is returned from its active position shown in Fig. 15 into its inactive position shown in Fig. 14 by means of the wire 264. At the same time, the setting element 2481) takes along the setting element 248a from the active position shown in Fig. 15 into the inactive position shown in Fig. 14 through the medium of the coupling lip 258. At a suitable interval, the wire 2'54 may be returned from the position shown in Fig. 14 into the position shown in Fig. 13.

The second loose course regulating device H8 (Fig. 1) may be controlled by a controlling cam 288 on the control shaft |86 and by the jack 220k. (see Fig. 10).

As best shown in Figs. 1, '16-19, 21 and 24. the rocker wings 54. 56 of the rocker regulating device l2ll are rigidly secured by screws 282 to the component 58 of the shifting cam means 58, 69 keyed to the main cam shaft 38. The components 58, 69 of said shifting cam means 58, 69 cooperate with a shifting roller 284 arranged between said components and mounted on a shaft 286 shiftably arranged in suitable bearings of the machine in a manner known per se. Each time, when a narrowing operation shall take place, said shaft 286 and shifting roller 284 are displaced in a manner known per se by means of a mechanism controlled by the pattern chain towards the main cam shaft 38 into the position 286'. 284' shown in Fig. 1'7 so that during the rotation of the main cam shaft 38 the shifting cam means 58 and 60 are shifted to the right into the position 58', 60' in accordance with the shape of the camming surfaces of the shifting cam means 58, 68. Said shifting of the shifting cam means 58' 68 to the right results in a similar shifting of the main cam shaft 38 to the right, owing to the rigid connection between the shifting cam means and said main cam shaft. Of course, at the end of a narrowing operation, the shifting cam means 58, 68 together with the main cam shaft 38 are automatically returned into their original position in accordance with the shape of the camming surfaces of the shifting cam means. Thereafter, the shifting roller 284 and the shaft 286 are automatically retracted into their original position by the controlling mechanism actuated by the pattern chain.

As best shown in Figs. 16, 1'7, 21 and 24, a roller 288 rotatably and axially immovably arranged on a shaft 298 carried by an upwardly extending arm 292 of a movable braking element 294 is arranged between the hubs of the shifting cam components 58 and 68. The movable braking element 294 is swingably mounted on a shaft 296 carried by a stationary braking element 298 attached to the frame of the machine by screws 380. The hubs of the shifting cam components 58, 60 have a nat surface. Therefore. if the shifting cam components 58, 68 are displaced during a narrowing operation in the manner mentioned above, they will cause a swinging movement of the movable braking element 294 around its pivot 296 through the medium of said roller 288 engaged with the hubs of the shifting cam means.

As best shown in Figs. 21, 24 and 25 the stationary braking element 298 is provided with a friction lining 392 of suitable material. A second stationary braking element 304, likewise, carrying a friction lining 386 is arranged at the opposite side of the movable braking element 294. Said second stationary braking element 384 is connected with the rst stationary braking element 298 by means of bolts 398 passing through curved slots 3H! of the movable braking element 294. Springs 342 arranged between the heads of the bolts 368 and flanges on the braking element 364 tend to urge the braking elements against each other.

Apparently, above described brake 294, 298, 364 acts as a shock absorber when the main cam shaft 33 is shifted to the right or tn the left by means of the shifting device 284. 58. 64.

As best shown in Figs. 1, 16, 20 and 2'1. the rocker regulating device I 28 comprises two blocks 3M and 396 rigidly connected with the regulating shaft |92 by means of pins 3|8, 328 inserted into registering holes of said blocks and said regulating shaft. A shaft 322 rotatably arranged in bores of said blocks 3 I4 and 3| 6 is rigidly connected by set screws or the like with a first arm 324 and a second arm 326. Said arms 324 and 326 carry a iirst rod 328 and a second rod 339. A shifting element 332 substantially of the shape best shown in Fig. 26 is slidably arranged on said rods 328 and 339. Said shifting element 332 has two arms 334. 336 embracing a roller 338 slidably and rotatably arranged on the rod 338.

The ball carrying portion 340 of a ball joint 342 is screwed into a threaded bore of the shifting element 332. The other portion of said ball joint 342 is connected to one end of a connecting rod 344 (see Figs. 1 and 16), the other end of which is pivoted at 346 on one arm 348 of a lever 350 swingably mounted on the frame of the machine at 352. The other arm 354 of said lever 359 is pivoted at 356 to one end of a link 358 pivoted at its other end to an extension 368 of a pointex spindle nut 362 engaged in a manner known per se with the pointex spindle 364 rotatably arranged in suitable bearings of the machine. The pointex spindle 364 is automatically rotated at predetermined intervals by a drive (not shown) controlled by the pattern mechanism of the machine.

During the knitting of the welt portions and the leg portion before the knitting of the high heel portions of a stocking blank starts, the pointex spindle nut 362 is in such a position that the roller 338 engaged by the shifting element 332 is placed somewhat to the right of the position shown in Fig. 16 so as to clear the rocker wings 54 and 56. Therefore, during said period the roller 338 is not actuated by the rocker wings 54, 56 and the cam follower 324 is not rocked about its pivot 322.

As soon as during the operation of the machine the pointex spindle 364 is rotated and the pointex spindle nut 362 is displaced in the direction of the horizontal axis of the machine, the shifting element 332 is, likewise, displaced in accordance with the displacement of the pointex spindle nut 362 through the medium of the linkage 358, 358, 344. Thus, the roller 338 is brought `392 arranged at one end of a wire 394.

A13 into the-path ofthe rocker wings 54', 56; forexample into the position shown in Fig.. 16, so` that upon an engagement of the rocker wings 54, 53 with said roller 333 the cam` follower324 is rocked about its pivot 322.

The arm 324--has an extension 363 provided withav threaded-bore. 36B. An actuating screw 3-10 is adjustably threaded into .said threaded borel 338.1 A pointer 312 attached to `the extension 366i and arranged for cooperationy with a scale 314 arranged on the actuating. screw 310 may lbe used for an accurate adjustment of said actuating screw.

A spring 316 stretched between the. rod ||2 and the arm 324 tendsto. urge a lug-318v arranged on said arm against a stop. pin 380.carried by the-block 3|4-` so as to limit the: movement of the arm 324 and, ofcourse, the arm 32E rigidly connected therewith in-counter-cloclwise direction. Thus, as the movement of the block 314 in-.counter-cl-oclrwise direction is limited by an abutment of the stop screw H0 (see Fig. 2) of the arm |08 against the rod H2, thecam follower arrangement 324, 326, 338 is. prevented `from `falling into the space between theI rocker wings 54 and 56.

A springfloaded latch 382 is swingably and adjustably' arranged on a pin 3342 carried by the block- 314.- A spring-loaded setting element 386 rockably arranged on the regulating shaft |02 has a nose 38136101` cooperation with. said adjustableY latch` 332 so as to set same in an inactive position out of the path of the actuating screw-31 arranged on the rockable cam follower or in an active position in the path of said actuatingscrew. The downwardly-extendingarm of said rockable setting element 325 carries apin 393` slidably engaged with a slot The otherend of said wire 334isiconnected to` aA cam follower of the type of ther cam followery |12 shown in Fig. 9,` which isv in engagement with a controlling cam 396 (see Fig. 1) keyed to the control'. shaft |80'. The` wire 334, furthermore, is under the acti-on- 0f a-V tension spring 393 stretched' between the rod 262 and the` free end of the'wire 334-. (see Figs. 20 and 21). The setting element 33t maybe set in alternative in- -active and active positions by means of said wire 394 connected to the controlling apparatus shown in Fig. 9 in a manner to. be described hereinafter.;

Moreovena controlling element. 40|)` is; rockably arranged on the regulating-.shaft |132. Said controlling element 433 comprises a-riIlg 402 `having an abutment 43E-,for cooperation witha stop pin 43B mounted on the block 3m... Furthermore, said ring 4t2` of the. controlling element40|l is provided with a downwardly extending arm` 40S. Alip` 413. secured to said downwardly extending arm 408 by rivets orthe like projects from said armof the controlling element 430 towards the downwardly extending arm of the setting element .386, so that it may engage the latter and actas a coupling element for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

The downwardly extending arm 403 of the controlling element 433 is pivotally connected with one end of a wire 4i 2, the other end of which is pivotally connected at M4 (see Figs. 20, 24 and 25) with an arm 4i6 of a bell-crank lever 4|8 `swingably mounted on the frame 420. The

arm 422 of saidbell-crank lever 4|8 yis pivoted at 424 to one endof a connectingrod 42B, the other end of which-isconnected through: a ball fil `1-4 joint with the movable braking elementf294'- de;- scribed above.

According to Figs. 20, 21, 24 land125 one end of a connecting rod 428 is pivoted at 430 to the arm 4| of said bell-crank lever4l8. The other end of said connecting rod 428 is slidably engaged with a bore 432 arranged atr the lower end offa lever 434, theupper end of which is rigidly connected by a set screw 436 withthe shaft. 322, which is also rigidly connected with the arms 324 and 326 of the cam follower arrangement. A set collar 438 is secured to the free end of the rod 423 for cooperation with the lower end of the lever 434. Thus, a movementfof. the rod 428 in left-hand direction as viewed in Fig. 2,0 will cause a. rocking of the lever 434 in clockwise direction as soon as the set collar 438 abuts against the surface of the lower end of said lever 434. In such a case, the lever 434` together with the cam follower arrangement 324, 3,26,V 3.38 will be brought into the positionshown in Fig. 21 wherein the. roller 338 is` out of the path of. the rocker wings 54, 56 so that it cannotr be :actuated by the latter. On the other hand, when the rod 428 remains at a standstill'in the position shown in Fig. 2|) and the lever 434 rigidly connected with the shaft 322 and the cam follower arrangement 324, 325, 338 is caused to rock lowingtoa rocking movement of the cam follower arrange.- ment by the rocker wings 54 and 56101' owingto a rocking of the block 314 and regulating-shaft |02 caused by a rocking of said regulating shaft |02 by one of the other regulating devices on the machine, the lever 434 may freely perform such rocking movements owing to its looseengegement with the set collar 430.

During the knitting operations when the pointex spindle nut 332 (Fig. 1) is in such a-posi tion that the roller 338 of the cam follower arrangement of the rocker regulating device |20 is opposite the rocker wings 54, 56, for example, in the position shown in Fig. 16, and that, consequently, theV roller 338,1nay be engaged bythe rocker wings 54, 55, the movable brakingl element 294 is in the position shown in full lines in Figs. 24 and 25 as long as no narrowing operation takes place. Furthermore, when the length of the loops to be knitted shall be controlled by the rocker regulating device |20, the setting element 386 is automatically set in the position shown in Fig. 20 by the wire 394, so that the. latch 382 is in its active position in the pathv of the actuatingV screw 310. Each timewhen a; rocker wing 54 or 53 comes into engagement withthe roller 338, the arm 324 is rocked about the pivot 322 so that the latch 382 is depressed by theactuating screw 31|) andcauses agrockingofthe regulating shaft |02. u

Now, when during the period of the roller338 of the rocker regulating device |20 being opposite the rocker wings 54, 56 as shown in Fig. 16 a narrowing operation takes place, the main cam shaft 33 is automatically shifted to the right by the shifting means 284,` 58, 63 whereby the m'ovable braking element 234 is automatically swung from the full line position shown in Figs. 24 and 25 into the dash and dot line position shown `in said figures. This, in turn, causes arocking of the bell-crank lever 4|8 from the full line position shown in Fig. 25 into the dash and dot line position shown in said igure with the result that the controlling element 403 andthe lever 434 are swung from their position shown in Fig. 20iinto the position shown in Fig. 2l. Said swinging `Increment 0f the. controlling element `um causes,

furthermore, a swinginglmovement of the setting element 383 by means of the coupling lip 4 6 from the position shown in Fig. into the position shown in Fig, 21. During said swinging movement of the setting element 383 its pin 333 slides along the slot 332 of the wire 394 which remains in its position. Therefore, the spring-loaded latch 332 is caused by the setting element 336 to move into its inactive position shown in Fig. 2l out of the path of the actuating screw 316. Furthermore, the cam follower arrangement 324, 323, 338 is swung by the lever 434 about its pivot 322 out of engagement with the rocker wings 54, 56. Said swinging of the cam follower arrangement 324, 326, 338 causes a lowering of the actuating screw 376, but this does not result in a rocking of the regulating shaft |32 as the latch 362 is out of the-path of the actuating screw 3352.

After the completion of such a narrowing operation, the main cam shaft 33 and the movable braking element 264 are automatically returned into their original positions with the result that the bell-crank lever 4H! is returned into its original position. Said return movement of the bellcrank lever 4| S causes a movement of the rods 4|2 and 428 in right-hand direction as viewed in Fig. 21. Thus, the controlling element 406 positively connected with the rod 4|2 is swung in counter-clockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 21 into the position shown in Fig. 20. Furthermore, the set collar 438 mounted on the rod 428 releases the lever 434, so that the latter together with the cam follower arrangement 324, 326, 336 may be swung in counterclockwise direction by the spring 316 acting on the cam follower arrangement from the position shown in Fig. 21 into the position shown in Fig. 20 wherein the roller 338 is again in the path of the rocker wings 54, 56. Moreover, the springacting on the setting element 386 now released by the lip 4||l on the controlling element 46E) may cause a movementl of said setting element 366 from the position shown in Fig. 2l into the position shown in Fig. 20 whereby the latch 382 is again brought into its active position in the path of the actuating screw 316.

Now, Yif during the period of the roller 333 being opposite the rocker wings 54, 56 as shown in Fig. 16, the rocker regulating device |20 shall be rendered inactive, the wire 394 is automatically brought by the controlling apparatus acting thereon from the position shown in Fig. 20 into vthe position shown in Fig.` 22 whereby the setting element 386 is brought from the position shown in Fig. 2o into the position shown in Fig.

422, with the result that the spring-loaded latch v'382 is set into its inactive position out of the path of theactuating screw 370.

Fig. 23 illustrates a position of the controlling elementvf'l and the setting element 386 when the latter is set by the wire 334 in its inactive position, as shown in Fig. 22 and when at the same time a narrowing operation takes place during which the controlling element 433 is brought into the position shown in Fig. 23 by the rod 4|2 connected to the bell-crank lever H8 controlled by the movable braking element 294.

As mentioned above, the rocker regulating device |2D is used for controlling the length of the loops knitted in the heel portions 443, 442 and sole portions 444, 446 of a stocking blank 448 (see Fig. 27). At the same time, the instep 453 of the stocking blank 448 is also knitted. The length of .the loops of said instep portion 456 shall be smaller than the length of the loops of the heel '16 portions 440,442 and sole portions 444, 446. The length of the loops of said inner portion 45|] is controlled by controlling means of the main regulating device H6, for example, by the cooperating actuating screw |36c and latch |54c. Therefore, during the knitting of the stocking blank 448 from the point A to the point B said latch |540 of the main regulating device ||6 and the latch 362 of the rocker regulating device |20 are in active position. However, as the length of loops in the heel portions 440, 442 and sole portions 440, 446 shall be larger than the length of loops in the inner portion 45B, the lower end of the actuating screw 3W is adjusted at a distance from the upper end of the latch 382 which is shorter than the distance between the upper end of the latch |540 and the longer end of the actuating screw |36c. Therefore, during the knitting of a course, the actuating screw 370 will hit the latch 382 first causing a rocking of the regulating shaft V|62 through a predetermined angle. Thereafter, when, for example, at the point C the roller 333 of the rocker regulating device |20 may fall into the space between the rocker wings 54, 56, the actuating screw 373 is disengaged from the latch 382 and the regulating shaft |02 may be returned somewhat until the latch |540 of the main regulating device H6 abuts against the actuating screw |330 depressed by the actuation of the cam 46. Thus, the main regulating device controls the length of the loops in a course between the points C and D. When the point D is reached, one of the rocker wings engages again the roller 338, so that the actuating screw 313 hits again the latch 382 causing again a rocking of the regulating shaft |62 through a larger degree as necessary for controlling the length of the loops between the points D and E of a course.

Although the various regulating devices described above are shown as being applied to a two-section straight bar knitting machine, it is understood that the various regulating devices and their controlling mechanisms may also be applied to a straight bar knitting machin-e having more or less than two sections.

I have described preferred embodiments of my invention, but it is understood that this disclosure is for the purpose of illustration and that various omissions or changes in shape, proportion and arrangement of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalent elements for those herein shown and described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims. What I claim is: l. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating shaft is lassociated with movable needle bars of the machine for controlling the movements thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine, the combination of: at least one block rigidly connected to the regulating shaft of the machine, at least one latch adjustably mounted on said block, power driven movable actuating means, and automatic controlling means associated with said latch for bringing same at predetermined intervals into alternative positions in and out of the path of said movable actuating means, said actuating means being arranged for displacing said latch so as to cause a rocking of said block and said regulating shaft when the latch is in the path of said actuating means, and said regulating shaft being rockable relative to said controlling means without effecting a displacement of the latter.

f 2f, In a straight bar knitting machine as claimed in claim l, said controlling means being loosely` engaged with said latch.

3. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating shaft is associated with movable needle bars of the machine for controlling the movements thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine, the combination of: at least one block rigidly connected to the regulating shaft of the machine, at least one latch adjustably mounted on said block, power driven movable actuating means, adjustable setting means associated with said latch, and an automatic controlling mechanism associated with said setting means for adjusting same at predetermined intervals in alternative positions so as to set said latch in and out of the path of said movable actuating means, said actuating means being arranged for displacing said latch so as to cause a rocking of said block and said regulating shaft when the latch is in the path of said actuating means, said regulating shaft being rockable without effecting a movement of said adjustable setting means.

4. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating shaft is associated with movable needle bars of the machine for controlling the movements thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine, the combination of: at least one block rigidly connected to the regulating shaft of the machine, at least oneV latch adjustably mounted on said block, power driven movable actuating means, adjustable setting means swingably mounted on said regulating shaft, said acljustable setting means being in engagement with said latch, and an automatic controlling mechanism associated with said setting means for adjusting same at predetermined intervals in alternative positions so as to set said latch in and out of the path of said movable actuating means, said actuating means being arranged for displacing said latch so as to cause a rocking of said block and said regulating shaft when the latch is in the path of said actuating means, and said regulating shaft being rockable without effecting a movement of said adjustable setting means swingably mounted thereon.

5. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating shaft is associated with movable needle bars of the machine for controlling the movements thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine, the combination of: a series of blocks rigidly connected to the regulating shaft of the machine, at least one latch adjustably mounted on each of said blocks, e series of power driven movable actuating means, and -a plurality of automatic controlling means, each of said automatic controlling means being associated with such a latch for selectively bringing same at predetermined intervals into alternative positions in and out of the path of such a movable actuating means, said actuating means being arranged for displacing such an associated latch so as to cause a rocking of such a block and said regulating shaft when said associated latch is in the path of such an actuating means, and said regulating shaft being rockable relative to said controlling means without effecting a displacement of the latter.

6. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating shaft is associated with movable needle bars of the machine for controlling the movements thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted by the knitting implements of the'machine, the combination of a series of blocks rigidly connected to the regulating shaft of the machine, at least one latch adjustably mounted on each of said blocks, a series of power driven movable actuating means, e, plurality of adjustable setting means rockably mounted on said regulating shaft, each of said adjustable setting meansb'eing in engagement with such a" latch, and a plurality of automatic controlling mechanisms, each of said automatic controlling mechanisms being associated with such a setting means for selectively adjusting same at predetermined intervals in alternative positions so 'as to set such a latch in and out of the path of such a movable actuating means, said actuatingmeanslbeing arranged for displacing such anA associated latch so as to cause a rocking of such av block andA said regulating shaft when said associated latch is in the path of such an actuating means.

7. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating Vshaft Vis. associated with movable needle bars of the machine for controlling the moinementsV thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted bythe knitting implements of the machine, thefcombination of: av block rigidly connected to theregulating shaft of the machine, a plurality of' latches adjustably mounted on said block,` a powerfdr'iven rotatable' shaft, a camsecuredto said shaft, a swingable cam follower arranged for co-operation with said cam, a plurality of actuating members connected to said cam follower, each of said actuating members being arranged for cooperation with one of said latches,` and a plurality of automatic controlling means, eachof said automatic controlling means being associated with such a latch for selectively bringing same at predetermined intervals into alternative positions in and out of the path of such an associated actuating member, each of saidactuatihg members being arranged for displacing its associated latch so as to cause a rocking of said block and said regulating shaft when said associated latch is in the path of such an actuating member.

8. In a straight bar knitting machine as claimed in claim "7, said cam follower being swingably mounted on said block.V

9. In a straight bar knitting machine as claimed in claim '7, saidactuating members being adjustably arranged onsaid cam follower.

l0. In a straight bar knitting machine wherein a rockable regulating shaft is associated. with movable needle bars `of the machine for control-A ling the movements thereof so as to regulate the length of loops knitted by the knitting implements of the machine, the combination of: a block rigidly connected to the regulating shaft of the machine, a plurality of latches adjustably mounted on said block, a power driven rotatable shaft, a cam secured to said shaft, a swingable cam follower arranged for Aco-operation with saidl cam, a plurality of actuating members connected to said cam follower, each of said actuating niem-h4 bers being arranged for cooperation with one of said latches, a plurality of adjustable settingA 

